The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), issued a statement yesterday, 20th January, expressing deep concern over the ongoing, large-scale abuses in North Eastern Nigeria involving the armed group Boko Haram. The ICC Prosecutor said her office continues to gather information alleging killing of many civilians, the use of girls and boys to participate in hostilities, the use of women and children as suicide bombers, and the massive displacement of communities. The Prosecutor said these intentional targeting of civilians cannot be tolerated.

The ICC Prosecutor advised that Nigeria as a State party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over the alleged crimes. She warned that if necessary, she would prosecute the individuals most responsible for the alleged crimes.